Beauty And The Beast (1991)

An arrogant Prince (Robby Benson) is turned into a beast by an enchantress for his lack of empathy. Her curse is that unless he is able to love and be loved in return, he will remain a beast forever. Enter a young maiden (Paige O'Hara) who offers herself as a prisoner in exchange for her father (Rex Everhart) who is being held prisoner by the beast. Based on the classic 1756 fairy tale by Jeanne Marie Leprince De Beaumont and directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. The first animated movie ever to be nominated for a best picture Oscar (two others have subsequently been nominated), this enchanting musical feels like a film version of a Broadway show. The songs by Howard Ashman (who died six months before the film's release) and Alan Menken are melodic and performed with panache. The movie moves beyond the usual Disney aim toward children and their tolerant parents, there's a sophistication and wit directly aimed at adults. An elegant and vibrant jewel in the Disney animation crown. With the voice talents of Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Richard White and Jo Anne Worley.